How to Turn a Twin Mattress Into a Toddler's Bed

by Amanda Bell

Save money while keeping your toddler save by turning a twin-size bed into a toddler bed.

If your baby is ready to move on from a crib to a toddler bed, you don’t necessarily have to purchase a new bed if your crib does not covert. With a few store-bought guardrails and some thoughtful placing of the bed, you can move your baby to his big-kid bed in an afternoon by converting a twin-size bed. This might be more practical than purchasing a toddler bed, as the child will use the twin longer than a standard toddler bed.

1

Determine whether your child can get on and off the twin bed easily. Traditional toddler beds are lower to the ground than a standard bed so that young children can get on an off easily without climbing or jumping down. If the bed is too tall for your little one, remove the box springs and use a platform slat in its place, putting the mattress directly on top of it. This should lower the twin mattress to the appropriate height.

2

Place the mattress with the head against a wall or one side against the wall to protect your child from falling out of bed. If you place the head at the wall, you should install guardrails on either side of the mattress. With one side against the wall, you can usually use only one guardrail. Remove the mattress and set it aside.

3

Install the guardrails along one side or both sides of the bed, depending on how you have it configured. For wooden guardrails, you typically have to attach a bracket to either side of the rail and attach the bracket to the slats or supports on the bed. Fabric and plastic guardrails are typically held in place with plastic brackets or ties, partially utilizing the weight of the mattress to hold the guardrails in place. Follow manufacturer directions based on the type of guardrails you purchase.

4

Place the mattress back on the bed. Have your child test it, making sure she can get down easily while ensuring the guardrail is long and high enough to stop her from rolling off the bed.

5

Purchase twin-size bedding for your child, as her crib-size bedding will no longer fit.

Things You Will Need

Platform slats (optional)

Guardrail(s)

Drill

Twin size bedding

Warning

Always choose a guardrail made of breathable, mesh fabric if you are not purchasing slotted guardrails.

About the Author

Amanda Bell spent six years working as an interior designer and project coordinator before becoming a professional writer in 2010. She has published thousands of articles for various websites and clients, specializing in home renovation, DIY projects, gardening and travel. Bell studied English composition and literature at the University of Boston and the University of Maryland.

Photo Credits

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Home Guides editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.